Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 7, lines 5 to 7, to delete "if the circumstances so require, for such period or periods as may be agreed by the Competent Authority" and substitute:

"For such periods not exceeding its duration since establishment, or if the circumstances so require, for such periods as may be agreed by the Competent Authority in consultation with the Minister".

I tabled a similar amendment on Committee Stage and I had hoped the Minister would have given further consideration to putting in place a structure in terms of the length of time for which these investigations can be in existence. As the Bill stands, I am fearful that these investigations could be lengthy, that there would be many of them and that this would put great pressure on the Garda and involve a major cost to the State.

My amendment seeks to limit the duration of the existence of an investigation team. I would like to hear the Minister of State's comments